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Alexander Mc Queen First Men’s Flagship

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Just like a bespoke suit, the real beauty in Alexander McQueen's first menswear store is in the details.

Located in storied tailoring territory on London's Savile Row, the personality of the label is sewn into the fabric of the store; notice the animal claws on the console tables, the signature skulls in the wall panels and that the long rail running the length of the store is, in fact, an elongated brass spine. From this hang the clothes, standing to attention above a military style red carpet and watched over by standout pieces from McQueen's archives. At the end of the store a large glass box, reminiscent of the one used by the late designer for his spring summer show in 2001, serves as new exhibition space curated by gallerist Sadie Coles.

Of course, despite the artistry built into the store, the real art is in the clothes. For the first time in the label's history, the store stocks the full mainline menswear collection in one place, from ready-to-wear suiting to accessories (with diffusion line McQ available at the nearby store on Dover Street). GQ.com were also given an exclusive look at the soon-to-be-bespoke area currently under construction downstairs. Considering McQueen himself trained as a tailor only a street away at Anderson & Sheppard, we're keen to see how this service will be put into practice when it launches next year - and, more importantly, who will fill what is surely the most sought-after tailoring role going. But for now, we'll be happy going back to admire the velvet ready-to-wear dinner suits. We suggest you do the same. ( QG)